MLS, Players’ Union Remain Divided on Club World Cup Compensation

Major League Soccer (MLS) and its Players Association (MLSPA) remain in a standoff over Club World Cup compensation for players from Seattle Sounders, LAFC, and Inter Miami, with the tournament set to begin soon. MLS has proposed that players receive $1 million from the $9.55 million participation fee per team, as stipulated in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), plus 20% of performance-related prize money, but the MLSPA argues this is 'below international standard' and seeks a larger share—reportedly 35-40% of all earnings. The union also criticized the league’s proposal as 'retaliatory,' claiming MLS worsened its offer in response to player protests by the Sounders. The MLSPA contends that the $1 million cap is outdated given the unprecedented prize money at stake in the new FIFA-run tournament. While MLS maintains that its proposal provides additional performance-based incentives, the union insists the league 'does not respect or value players’ efforts.' Despite the contentious negotiations, a work stoppage is not possible due to no-strike provisions in the current CBA.